INSI launches global survey into violence against female journalists

(London) - The International News Safety Institute (INSI) is today launching a global survey into violence against female journalists and is inviting all women working in the news media to participate.

The survey, created in conjunction with the International Women’s Media Foundation, will look at the worldwide situation of women journalists and the nature of the dangers they face in relation to their work.

The survey is part of a wider program of work initiated by UNESCO, which has the leading role within the UN system regarding the safety of journalists. It is being supported by the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs which has put the issue at the centre of its efforts in the human rights field.

Based on the findings of the report, INSI will work with other experts in the field and offer a series of recommendations aimed at increasing the safety of women journalists which will be published later on this year.

“In many parts of the world, women are threatened and attacked for the work they do – work which, in some cultures and countries, challenges gender stereotypes. These attacks range from sexual assault and rape to cyber-bullying, emotional harrassment and threats against their loved ones. Sadly, many of these crimes are not reported as a result of powerful cultural and professional stigmas,” said Hannah Storm, Director of INSI.

“We hope that this important survey will allow women to confidentially share their experiences, so that we can get a real sense of the dangers and threats they face in their day-to-day work, and work to find ways to make the situation safer for them and their families.”

INSI provides safety advice and training to male and female journalists working in dangerous situations. In its 10 years of existence, it has trained thousands of journalists around the world and knows that danger often does not discriminate on the basis of gender.

However, INSI has become increasingly aware of the difficulties faced by many women journalists since the publication of its ground-breaking book ‘No Woman’s Land – On the Frontlines with Female Reporters’[1], and has recently started providing female specific safety training in some parts of the world, conducted by female trainers. It is also working to establish a network of support for women journalists to allow them to discuss issues that they may not feel able to share at work.